Abstract: A method for preparing data units for access in a data storage system is disclosed. The data storage system includes multiple storage devices having data units. All the storage devices of the data storage system are not powered on at the same time. The method includes preparing and storing the auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is prepared for a data unit on a storage device that will be powered off during an access request of the data unit. The auxiliary data is stored on the storage devices so that the auxiliary data is likely to be available on a powered-on storage device when the data unit is the subject of an access request.

Abstract: A method for preparing data units for access in a data storage system is disclosed. The data storage system includes multiple storage devices having data units. All the storage devices of the data storage system are not powered on at the same time. The method includes preparing and storing the auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is prepared for a data unit on a storage device that will be powered off during an access request of the data unit. The auxiliary data is stored on the storage devices so that the auxiliary data is likely to be available on a powered-on storage device when the data unit is the subject of an access request.

Abstract: A method for preparing data units for access in a data storage system is disclosed. The data storage system includes multiple storage devices having data units. All the storage devices of the data storage system are not powered on at the same time. The method includes preparing and storing the auxiliary data. The auxiliary data is prepared for a data unit on a storage device that will be powered off during an access request of the data unit. The auxiliary data is stored on the storage devices so that the auxiliary data is likely to be available on a powered-on storage device when the data unit is the subject of an access request.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining data reliability in a particular disk drive that is powered off in a storage system are disclosed. The methods include checking a power budget to determine that sufficient power is available, powering on the particular disk drive, and checking the particular disk drive to detect an error. Further, the method includes correcting the particular disk drive when the error is detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for maintaining a particular disk drive that is powered off in a storage system are disclosed. The method includes powering on the particular disk drive and executing a test on the particular disk drive. The method further includes powering off the particular disk drive on completing the test.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least on strung bead so that Jewelry items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical of the pop beads.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for wirelessly transmitting a packet of information from one user to another user. The apparatus relates to a transponder device that contains a controller, and a memory unit, that contains a program for controlling the controller. The transponder also contains a transceiver connected to both the controller and to a directional antenna wherein the transceiver is for receiving and transmitting wireless signals from one transponder to another. There is also a button for initiating a wireless transmission, a display for displaying a received transmission and an indicator for indicating a user when he or she has received a transmission. Essentially this device is designed to transmit and receive email addresses from one user to another in a defined area. The user transmitting the email address uses the directional antenna to direct the email address at another person who is also holding a transponder.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends in a radial direction an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the item. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least one strung bead so that bracelets and similar items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical bodies of the pop beads. Additional embodiments include pop beads that depend from barrettes, eyeglass holders, lanyard hooks, and similar articles.